Are there any Side Effects of Hair Removal Creams? Find out (2024)

Today, many people use hair removal creams or depilatory creams to get smooth and hair-free skin without having to undergo any pain or discomfort. Unlike shaving which causes razor burns, cuts, ingrown hair and other issues, hair removal creams are a stress-free way of grooming. But how do these creams really work?

Most hair removal creams contain certain chemical substances like thioglycolic acid and other salts which are responsible for breaking down the keratin (protein) present in the hair. As keratin is an important protein that upholds the structure of hair, breaking it down causes body hair to weaken and melt away. This is why having a hair removal cream on for some time can result in easy hair removal!

What makes permanent hair removal creams unique is that, unlike other hair removal methods that often require some tools and techniques, these creams are easy to use and don’t require anything other than the hair removal cream and a plastic spatula. More sensitive versions of hair removal creams can be used for sensitive body parts like the bikini line too! However, the real question is - are there any side effects of using hair removal cream on the pubic area?

We did the research so you don’t have to. So, before you go shopping for a depilatory cream, here is a guide that will shed light on the dark side of hair removal creams.

5 Hair Removal Cream Side Effects You Must Know

Since these creams are made with chemicals, there are some disadvantages of hair removal creams you should know about. Here are 5 hair removal cream side effects that you must know:

1. Skin Darkness and Irritation

Most hair removal creams use chemicals like calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide along with salts of thioglycolic acid which can cause irritation and darkness for sensitive skin types. This means that it is important to refrain from using hair removal creams before doing a patch test and avoid sensitive areas of your skin to prevent irritation and darkness.

2. Skin Damage and Allergic Reactions

Since the chemicals present in these hair removal creams are acidic in nature, they can mix with your skin and alter the pH level, causing skin damage and allergic reactions like rashes. That’s why it is essential to be aware of the side effects of hair removal cream on private parts and the face before using it.

3. Chemical Burns

When not used correctly or left behind for too long, hair removal creams can also cause serious chemical burns of first and second degrees! Hence it is imperative to read the instructions before using such products and always stick to the duration as instructed. In addition, avoid using these creams over freshly shaved skin or waxed skin as that too can cause unwanted effects.

4. Unpleasant Smell

Most hair removal creams feature a very unpleasant and strong odour of rotten eggs. This smell seems to worsen when the cream comes in contact with the body hair, so if you are someone who is sensitive to strong fragrances or is looking for a more pleasant hair removal experience, hair removal creams are not for you.

5. Not Ideal for Sensitive Areas

Though it is said that you can use hair removal creams to remove unwanted hair from your bikini region, most dermatologists don’t recommend the same. This is because your skin down there is too sensitive and thin, hence, there are high chances of you experiencing some side effects of using hair removal cream on the pubic area.

In short, hair removal creams are painless, easy to use and convenient. However, the chemicals they contain can cause several serious side effects such as darkening, irritation, skin damage, allergic reactions, and worst of all, chemical burns! We hope these tips help you navigate your permanent hair removal cream journey better.

Who should avoid hair removal creams?

If you are someone who has any skin issues, you must avoid using hair removal creams as they might further aggravate your skin problem. Hence, people who suffer from any of these below-listed skin concerns must steer clear of hair removal creams:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Sunburn
• Chronic acne breakouts

Note that people who use retinol or retinoids must avoid hair removal creams as these skincare ingredients tend to make your skin extra sensitive to the chemicals present in hair removal creams.

How to do a patch test correctly?

It’s a no-brainer that you must never use any hair removal cream for the first time without doing a patch test. Here is how you can do a quick patch test that will help you decide whether you are allergic to any of the ingredients present in a hair removal cream:

• Apply the hair removal cream on the inside of your arm or the bend of your elbow and leave it there.
• Make sure that you apply the cream as thickly as you would apply when you are using it to remove unwanted hair on your body.
• Leave the hair removal cream for as long as you would normally leave. You can read the instructions given on the back of the hair removal cream to know how long the product takes to give you the desired result.
• Conduct a patch test a couple of times to be extra cautious.
• Also, make sure that you wait for 7-10 days to see if your skin is showing any signs of allergies as sometimes a reaction is not immediate and it may take time to happen.
• If you notice any signs of skin allergy, wash off the cream immediately and soothe the allergy with the help of a cold compress. If the reaction doesn’t subside, consult your dermatologist immediately.

Other Hair Removal Alternatives

If you are looking for other hair removal options, you can consider the quick and cheap option of shaving, the effective and long-lasting option of waxing or the permanent option of laser hair removal!

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We understand how difficult and time-consuming hair removal can be on a regular basis. makeO skin (formerly skinnsi) laser hair reduction is a great alternative to your countless salon visits. It’s a permanent hair removal solution in a painless, efficient manner that can be done from the comfort of your own home!

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FAQs on Hair Removal

1. Are depilatory creams safe?

Depilatory creams or hair removal creams are considered to be safe if and when used correctly. If you have sensitive skin, you should do a patch test before using them as they often contain several chemicals that may cause many side effects. Is depilatory cream better than shaving? Hair removal creams cause fewer cuts, lesions and irritation when compared to shaving which could make it a better hair removal option.

2. Can I use a depilatory on pubic hair?

You cannot use any hair removal cream you pick up from the market for your bikini line. Since the skin around your private parts is more sensitive, you must only use a hair removal cream that explicitly mentions being extra sensitive and safe to use on private parts.

3. What are the disadvantages of depilatory creams?

Some hair removal cream side effects are that they contain chemicals like thioglycolic acid, calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide which can cause irritation, darkening, skin damage, allergic reactions, and first and second-degree chemical burns.

4. Does hair grow back thicker after depilatory cream?

Depilatory creams when used correctly give a smooth and pain-free hair removal. They do not cause hair to grow back thicker or faster.